The Catholic community in Omaha wonders what the transition means to the church and its religious teachings.

“It was a big shocker to all of us. What are they going to do? How are they going to bring someone in so fast, and how is everything going to come out of that?” said Jennifer Melcher, Gross Catholic High School senior.

Some in the Catholic community feel the change will impact a younger generation.

“For kids today to have this be an impact on their life and see what difference it will make in how they practice their faith,” said Father Steve Emanuel, Gross Catholic High School chaplain.

Others believe the youth should be the focus of Benedict’s successor.

“Bring the younger generation. Get them excited about the faith,” said Cynthia Farmer, St. Columbkille Church parishioner.

“I think the Church is always looking to its future and someone who will be able to articulate to and remind people about God,” said Michael Schreffler, St. Columbkille Church parishioner.

Many reports state the next pope may come from a developing country where Catholicism is still growing, like Latin America, which holds nearly 40 percent of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.